IT took the long-surviving Oro Aces Sports Club the second month of the year 2022 to have its Christmas Reunion gathering last Saturday at the place of club president Alex Bax in Biasong, Barangay Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City.
Now on its 36th year of existence as one of the oldest ballclubs in the City of Gold, the much-delayed ‘potluck’ reunion also served as a celebration for the second life of the ‘El Presidente’ Alex Bax as well as former Xavier University varsity standout Eric Rosales who survived a stroke to be able to attend the party in scratches.
“I was thinking that I'd be gone already after suffering different injuries from falling at the rooftop of our house. I was fixing something when the incident happened,” the ageless Bax, who is also a musician, told Gold Star Daily.
Bax’s freak accident last year thus postponed the club’s Christmas party originally scheduled on December 11 at the same place.
“I’m still also lucky to be with the group again who helped me in so many ways. I got jailed for some years in Davao for illegal possession of a firearm, and then suffered a life-threatening stroke,” shared Rosales, who cited Bobby Diaz, Allan Enteria, and Andit Mendoza among his XU-Ateneo hoops contemporaries.
In essence, Bax said that’s the top-secret ingredient for any club or association to survive the acid test of time when you value everyone in the group.
“Kahit na hindi kayo matalik na kaibigan pag pinahalagahan mo ang bawat isa eh ganon din ang gagawin nila sa ‘yo bilang leader,” Bax said.
The Oro Aces, which considers the Acsat covered court in Barangay Carmen as their regular venue before the pandemic, also has venerable members such as PBA player Dan Sara, UAAP’s FEU Tamaraws alumnus Anthony Pabillore, the Cadiz siblings, and Guilly Parrel of the city’s political family, among others.
“Important gatherings like this will make us younger. Enjoy lang gyod kita kay sa atong edad we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. So, swerte pa gyod kadtong mga edaran nga makadagan, makadula ug maka bonding bonding pa uban sa grupo,” said former Crispa-Micaa star forward Hermogenes Anciado in his surprise visit with the fore mostly oldies Aces.
Bax said around 35 pioneers and loyal members have joined the momentous event jointly sponsored by Ruben Bollozos, Mike Chiong, Judge Gil Bollozos for the lechon, Director Oran and Pitos for the super ‘lami na kinilaw,’ Dandan Guevarra, Dodong Parrel, Bo Ang, Manolo Beja, Asoy Amparo, Anton Pabillore, and police officer Jerome Torefel for the other main dishes and drinks.
“It was heartwarming to see all of them sharing time and resources and comforting words to fellow team player Eric Rosales who suffered a stroke but took time to join the group,” added a grateful Bax.
